GPS is essential for navigation, delivery apps, ride-booking apps, fitness tracking, and many daily uses. However, many users experience problems where the GPS becomes inaccurate, takes too long to detect location, or refuses to work entirely.
This issue is usually caused by incorrect settings, blocked signals, outdated software, environmental interference, or corrupted location data.
This guide explains all the effective ways to fix GPS not working properly on Android.

Restart Your Phone

A simple restart often resets the location services.

Steps:

1. Hold the Power button.
2. Tap Restart.
3. Test your GPS again in Google Maps or another app.

Many minor GPS glitches disappear after rebooting.

Enable High Accuracy Mode

Android has different location modes, and the wrong mode may lead to inaccurate GPS.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Location.
3. Select Location Mode.
4. Choose High Accuracy.

This uses GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile networks for the best results.

Turn GPS Off and On

Refreshing the GPS service helps the phone reconnect to satellites.

Steps:

1. Swipe down the notification panel.
2. Turn Location OFF.
3. Wait 5 seconds.
4. Turn it ON again.

Now test your GPS.

Calibrate Google Maps Compass

Incorrect compass calibration leads to inaccurate navigation.

Steps:

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Move your phone in a figure-eight motion.
3. Continue until the blue arrow becomes accurate.

Google Maps will show a prompt if calibration is needed.

Disable Power Saving Mode

Battery Saver restricts GPS access to save power.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Battery.
3. Turn off Battery Saver.

Now try using GPS again.

Check App Location Permissions

Apps cannot use GPS if they don’t have proper permissions.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select the app (Google Maps, Uber, etc.).
4. Tap Permissions.
5. Enable Location.
6. Select Allow all the time or Allow while using the app.

Now open the app again.

Improve Internet Connection

GPS accuracy improves with a stable internet connection.

Try:

• Switching to Wi-Fi
• Turning Mobile Data ON
• Moving to a place with better signal

A weak internet connection may cause slow GPS locking.

Check for Obstructions

GPS signals weaken when blocked by:

• Tall buildings
• Tunnels
• Basements
• Thick walls
• Closed rooms
• Metal roofs

Move to an open area for better GPS accuracy.

Turn Off Fake GPS Apps

If you installed any fake location app in the past, it may affect real GPS function.

Check:

1. Go to Settings → Apps.
2. Look for fake GPS or location spoofing apps.
3. Uninstall or disable them.

Also, turn off Developer Options if Fake GPS was used.

Reset GPS Data (Using Trusted App)

Some apps can reset corrupted GPS data.

Download a reliable GPS fixing app from the Play Store.

Steps (general):

1. Install a GPS Reset or GPS Status app.
2. Clear old satellite data.
3. Refresh new GPS information.

This helps lock satellites faster.

Update Android System

System updates often improve GPS performance and fix satellite issues.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Select System Update.
4. Install available updates.

Restart and test GPS.

Clear Google Maps Cache

Corrupted cache can affect GPS behavior.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select Google Maps.
4. Tap Storage.
5. Clear Cache.

Do not clear data unless necessary.

Remove Phone Case (If Thick or Metallic)

Some thick, metal, or rugged cases interfere with GPS signals.

Remove the case and test the GPS outdoors.

Reset Network Settings

Network settings also affect GPS indirectly.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Select Reset Options.
4. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
5. Confirm.

Test GPS again afterward.

Factory Reset (Final Solution)

If nothing works, a full reset may fix deep software problems.

Steps:

1. Backup your data.
2. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
3. Choose Factory Data Reset.

Use this only when necessary.

When to Visit a Service Center

GPS may fail due to hardware issues like:

• Damaged GPS antenna
• Internal hardware fault
• Water damage
• Motherboard issues

A technician can diagnose the hardware problem and repair it.

Conclusion

GPS not working properly on Android is a common issue that usually stems from incorrect location settings, weak signals, outdated software, or corrupted GPS data. By following this complete guide—calibrating the compass, enabling high accuracy mode, updating the system, and resetting location services—you can restore accurate GPS performance.
If the problem continues, it may be due to hardware damage requiring professional repair.